JAKARTA – Infrastructure development during President Joko Widodo’s administration received appreciation from various groups. FEB UI Professor, Telisa Aulia Falianty, said that President Jokowi had left an extraordinary infrastructure legacy for this nation. This development not only advances the national economy but also improves the welfare of society in various regions, including underdeveloped and border areas.
Telisa appreciated President Jokowi’s great contribution in building infrastructure in Indonesia. According to him, infrastructure has a significant multiplier effect, especially because many national strategic projects (PSN) are labor intensive, absorb labor and encourage domestic products.
“This infrastructure development supports the efficiency of various community activities, accelerates technology, such as 5G internet, also facilitates communication and increases national productivity,” said Telisa.
Infrastructure development is not only physical, but also includes technology that facilitates digital economic activities.
“We feel the impact, such as the fast train to Bandung which is very efficient for mobility. President Jokowi deserves to be called the Father of Indonesian Infrastructure because he has succeeded in building connectivity in all corners of the country, including 3T (disadvantaged, frontier and outermost) areas. This infrastructure supports prices “People’s needs remain stable, especially with the one fuel price policy,” added Telisa.
Telisa also emphasized the importance of utilizing the infrastructure that has been built to support the industrialization process and human resource (HR) development. According to him, infrastructure is not just about physical buildings, but must also be supported by the development of quality human resources.
“With stronger human resources, we can manage infrastructure better and use it to strengthen strategic sectors, such as education and health. Strong infrastructure will be the foundation for Indonesia to continue to grow and achieve the vision of a Golden Indonesia,” continued Telisa
Meanwhile, Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy, Susiwijono Moegiarso, said that massive infrastructure development had increased economic growth over the last decade.
“The construction of airports, ports, railway lines, up to 53 dams supports connectivity and food sovereignty. Special Economic Zones (KEK) spread outside Java encourage inclusive economic growth, create jobs and increase productivity.” Said Susiwijono.
Furthermore, the government continues to evaluate national strategic projects (PSN) regularly.
“Of the 233 projects, some have been completed and some are still in process, and the government remains committed to continuing infrastructure development. With a large budget allocation in the future, infrastructure will remain the backbone of economic growth, it is even hoped that it will be able to achieve economic growth of up to 8 percent according to direction of the President-Elect.” Susiwijono emphasized.
Telisa and Susiwijono agree that the sustainability of infrastructure development is very crucial. The incoming government is expected to remain focused on projects already underway and expand their benefits across the country.
“With a strong foundation, our task now is to maximize the positive impact of this infrastructure for a more holistic community welfare,” concluded Telisa.